FAB SCHOOLS NIGERIA

NIGERIA’S SAFETY, INTEGRITY AND POTENTIAL ON THE RED LINE

Written by: Boluwatife Nathaniel Awofadeju.

What is going on in our country is really disturbing and shocking to know. How can a state lack the ability to be able to protect itself? The recent assassination of the Commissioner of Police of Kwara state in Nigeria shows that the security situation in Nigeria needs to be looked into again. While is it now that the state’s House of Assembly is just suggesting the installation of CCTV cameras and security systems in all state buildings and facilities and in public places; this should be something that should be done with the construction, maintenance and rehabilitation of roads and street lights within the state.

Though the state cannot be entirely blamed for this but if the truth is to be told, would the

state’s Police command really fish out and publicly announce the culprits who are responsible for these killings? We all know the way cases of criminals are being handled and even when such cases are related to guilty top personalities and celebrities, we never hear of their verdict or the stories and information surrounding their trials. For instance, the Bola Ige trial or Abiola and his late wife’s trial which is still ongoing after over a decade ago; both the Police and judicial system are very porous and need adequate checks and balances.

 

Thank God that investigation is ongoing; on various allegations filed against corrupt and unjust

judges in Nigeria; this proves that nobody is above the law and the law is above everybody and it has definitely increased the public’s confidence in the authencity of Nigeria’s law and the genuinety and fairness of judgements and the decision making process made in Nigerian courts. If Israel through one of its institute can challenge the Nigerian government to keep up the good work of tackling corruption citing examples of some of its past presidents and ministers who are currently in jail or are on trail for allegations made against them for the illegalities they have done during their tenure of office, then Nigeria can do so.

If the great cyclist and cheat Dave Armstrong could be physically stripped off all his Tour de

France titles and his only Olympic medal plus all the endowments and sponsorship he got throughout his illegal cycling year – all occurring in the greatest and most powerful country in the world – the United States of America, then Nigeria – the giant of Africa is no exception. Though the title “the giant of Africa” is gradually slipping off from our hands, economic and wealth inequality is on the rise, the potential of the citizenry are not fully utilized, no jobs are available for unemployed graduates and no incentives for them; all of these would eventually force them to take heed to crime and other fraudulent practices; and then assassinations, kidnapping, ritual killings, rape and murder and armed robbery (whether physical or cyber-theft) would be the order of the day, can one really blame them for all of this?

As for me, I do not support crime but I canvass for peace and justice for the fellow Nigerian. I am still happy hearing from our finance and economic minister, Dr. Ngozi claiming that she is solidly working and supporting the poor and average Nigerian and I am fully inspired by the level of progress prominent people like Alhaji Dangote has done in the Nigerian economy, not only him but other renowned personalities like Professor Pat Utomi, Professor Wole Soyinka, Professor Chinua Achebe, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Pastor and Pastor (Mrs) E.A Adeboye, Pastor and Pastor (Mrs) Sam Adeyemi, the Kennis Music group; the entire entertainment and sports industry, e.t.c, these are various elements that are representing Nigeria on the global ladder, with all of these elements, while shouldn’t we be encouraged to raise Nigeria up.

My message is for the ordinary citizens of this country, don’t waste your time believing that the government would feed you and meet all of your needs, think of what you can contribute to the country’s growth, be enterprising, set up your own business but with a global touch and feel, gain necessary skills and competence; attend workshops, seminars and trainings; do not be idle, always think of something positive and economical to do, an activity that would not only benefit you and your family but would impact on your immediate community, the country and the world at large. Nigerians overseas please do not forget your fatherland, whether you like it or not, this is your home; the earlier we all come together to build up this country, the faster our pace and rate of progress. And for Nigerians at home; those at the top or bottom of the ladder should come together; a sovereign national conference or at least regular national forums should be conducted, think-tank groups and committees should be formed; ideas should be embraced from all corners, critical sectors and industries like power, agriculture, education, entertainment, works and housing, manufacturing, sports and youth development and the financial services sector should be looked into; and not only the petroleum sector that should take center stage in Nigeria’s revenue generation.

To be sincere, even if the petroleum sector accounts for a major percentage of the national GDP^*, if all the oil of this country finishes today, what do we fall back on? Honestly, science, technology and innovation amongst budding Nigerians and technocrats should be encouraged, less of importation should be encouraged; support and incentives for local producers should be provided; the creative industry (that is the arts, music, movie and theatrical sectors) should be properly structured, I believe that things in this sector should be properly documented and organized, the sector ought to have a peculiar minister in charge of its activities; these are really untapped markets that the Nigerian government is not taking proper look into. Who says that we cannot have entertainment villages, movie theaters and more animation studios that can make our “Nollywood” sector to fully compete with America’s “Hollywood”.

I charge all Nigerians to brace up, wake up from their slumber, we are not where we ought to be and till we get to our destination, we should never give up or lose hope on our country’s potential because with due time we will be great, it is only a matter of time; yes we will, if only we believe in Nigeria and see the positive side it holds for us, the faster we become united and do the right things at the right time, the faster we get there. God bless Nigeria, God bless Africa, God bless the world.

^*KEY: GDP - Gross Domestic Product

BOLUWATIFE NATHANIEL AWOFADEJU

(+2348132327213)

(boludearie@yahoo.com)